Challenge Event

Posted at 1:21 pm on 30th March, 2016

Challenge Event

14th January 2016

Dear Parent /Carer

I am delighted to inform you that this term your child will be given the opportunity to sign up to NCS, a government-funded programme for 15-17 year olds. Working through physical, personal and creative challenges, this once-in-a-lifetime experience empowers young people to build skills and confidence to get ahead in work and life, whilst engaging with their local area.

The Challenge, the country’s largest provider of NCS, is delivering 1620 places throughout Lancashire in summer 2016. It is a part-residential programme beginning with three parts taking place over 18 days in the summer, with breaks. The first two sections are residential, with all meals, kit and accommodation provided.

First, teams develop their leadership and teamwork skills by working with some of the best outdoor instructors in the UK, enabling them to create friendships and build confidence. After a short break, young people return for part two where they stay in university style accommodation and gain new skills in either drama, art, media, sport, enterprise or photography with a professional practitioner. Finally, teams have the opportunity to design, pitch and deliver their own social action project. Once completed, participants graduate and receive a signed certificate signed by the Prime Minister.

Delivering the programme costs over £1000 per head, but The Challenge only asks for a contribution of a maximum of £50 to show a commitment to the programme. They also offer an early applicants’ discount of £35 if made online before Monday 8th February 2016 and financial support is available when needed. The application fee covers all accommodation, food, transport, and specialist kit for the residential parts of the programme.

As an exclusive offer, students from St. Bede’s will have three days to sign up for NCS at the discounted price of £20. Therefore, if your child returns their application pack either to the school or applies online on or before Thursday 21st January 2016 they can secure a place for just £20.

Representatives from NCS are speaking at a Year 11 assembly on Monday 18th January during which your child will have the opportunity to express their interest in the programme.